Football
Norwell football’s record is currently 2-2. Coming into the season, the boys were introduced to an entirely new coaching staff. Although, they faced two tough losses at the start, they followed up with two very impressive home wins. Declan Gore, one of the team’s captains, and Matt Stout, another important senior on the team, interviewed to provide some more background information on the team, as well as some reactions to the games. Isabelle Vining, a captain on the cheer team, was also interviewed to provide some outlook from an avid supporter.
How’s the new coach staff? What’s something that they’re focusing on a lot this year?
Declan: The new coaching staff has worked hard to continue the success from the last two years. One thing that Coach Killinger has emphasized is that the team is a family, and that everything we do, we do as one group. I think that has really helped us create a strong bond with the new coaches.
What were you guys doing in the EB game to keep you in it? How did you continue to through? What were some of the most critical plays?
Declan: During the East Bridgewater game, we went down by two touchdowns going into halftime and the team’s vibe was not good. During the break, we were at a crossroads, go on a run and win, or drop our third straight game. We flipped a switch and came out of halftime clicking, and were scoring pretty easily. Without big plays like John Stout’s kick return or Ben Bostrom’s two point conversions, we wouldn’t have won that game.
At the beginning of the season, unfortunately the Abington and Scituate games had some unwanted results. What was the team’s mindset and attitude after the games and how did you change or prep for the next two games?
Declan: After two tough losses to start the season, Coach Killinger brought us together as a team and motivated us to keep going. We knew that the first two games did not accurately represent us as a team, and the week leading up to East Bridgewater we were practicing extremely well. As captains, it was our last homecoming and we knew that we did not want to leave a loss to East Bridgewater in our legacy, and I feel that the second half of that game showed how successful the team can be. We brought that success into the game against Hamilton-Wenham, and we were able to win a pretty ugly game. I’m really proud of how the guys have turned it around and look forward to a tough game tomorrow night against Rockland as we continue our run to Gillette.
What are some of the major injuries from the season so far and how has this affected the lineup?
Matt: One of the most extreme injuries was Ethan Rice’s. He dislocated his kneecap at the end of the third in the Hamilton game. Since then, there has been some position changes due to the loss of our tight end and defensive end. Kids who only played one way now are playing positions on both offense and defense. Ben Bostrom also is out right now because of a knee / thigh injury from the EB game. He was out for the Hamilton game and will not be playing in the upcoming rockland game as well. Bostrom was a key player, but since his injury, Dayne Thorbahn was able to take on the role. However, Dayne then faced an injury in the Hamilton game so there will be a new player stepping into this position for the Rockland game.
Your new head coach came from Rockland. Has the preparation for the game been different, more detailed?
Matt: No, it’s really just been like every other week of practice. We have film on them so we’re already pretty prepared. We’re not making a big deal about this Friday with our coach’s past; it’s just another game we have to win.
What’s your reaction on the season?
Isabelle: I think it’s going really well! I think that now more than ever after those two wins that the boys are gaining momentum and I’m excited for a great rest of the season! My favorite moment so far was definitely at the end of the homecoming game when everything was so intense, but the crowd and everyone else was so involved and it was awesome to watch... the win capped off a super fun spirit week!
